DC Fundamentals

Series vs. Parallel Lamps Circuit Simulator

Side-by-side comparison of two incandescent lamps in series versus a parallel lamp on a 12V battery, demonstrating voltage division and brightness.

Speed
Compare two 12V/12W lamps in series (dimmer, 3W each) side-by-side with a parallel 12V/12W lamp (full brightness, 12W) powered by the same 12V battery.
● CH1: CH1
● CH2: CH2

Engineering Theory & Mathematical Model

P_parallel = V² / R = 12 W, P_series_each = (V/2)² / R = 3 W

Two identical 12V/12W lamps (each 12 Ω) wired in series present a combined resistance of 24 Ω to a 12V supply, drawing 0.5 A. Each series lamp drops only 6V and dissipates P = 6V × 0.5A = 3W — just one-quarter of its rated 12W glow! Meanwhile, the parallel branch receives the full 12V rail independently, drawing 1.0 A and glowing at 100% rated 12W brightness.

Interactive Lab Procedure

  1. Compare the visual filament glow Halo of the two dim series lamps on the left versus the bright parallel lamp on the right.
  2. Open either branch switch independently to verify that parallel loads continue running uninterrupted.
  3. Hover over each lamp to verify exact 3.00 W vs 12.00 W power dissipation.

Technical FAQ

What is the core governing formula for Series vs. Parallel Lamps Circuit Simulator?

P_parallel = V² / R = 12 W, P_series_each = (V/2)² / R = 3 W — Two identical 12V/12W lamps (each 12 Ω) wired in series present a combined resistance of 24 Ω to a 12V supply, drawing 0.5 A. Each series lamp drops only 6V and dissipates P = 6V × 0.5A = 3W — just one-quarter of its rated 12W glow! Meanwhile, the parallel branch receives the full 12V rail independently, drawing 1.0 A and glowing at 100% rated 12W brightness.

Can I modify component values and rewire this circuit live?

Yes! The schematic above runs a live MNA SPICE engine. Click any part to adjust parameters, add or delete wires and components, and click Share URL to save your custom topology.

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